Parent-Administered Prednisolone Treatments May Help Reduce Asthma Symptoms and Medical Care in Children

Asthma
is swelling in the airways (tubes) that lead to the lungs. The swelling decreases the amount of air that can be moved in and out of the lungs. It can be minor, with little interference with everyday activity, or it can be severe enough to completely cut off the air supply. Asthma treatments include identifying and avoiding asthma triggers and treating asthma flare-ups or episodes. The goal is to decrease the amount asthma interferes with physical activity and avoid severe episodes that require medical attention. Oral corticosteroids are very effective for treating asthma, but due to their many side effects, they are only used for a short time during severe episodes. Most often, they are prescribed after a medical professional has seen the child and decides that they are appropriate.

Researchers in Australia wanted to examine the benefits of a parent-initiated treatment for acute asthma attacks with prednisolone, a corticosteroid. The study, published in
British Medical Journal
, found that the parent program decreased asthma symptoms, school absences, and the need for medical care.

About the Study

The
randomized trial
included 230 children ages 5-12 who had at least four asthma attacks in the last year. The children were randomized to receive parent-initiated prednisolone or placebo treatments when an asthma attack was developing. The parents were given educational information about when to offer the medicine. The treatment was recommended if an attack seemed more severe than usual or if symptoms were lasting more than 6 hours despite other treatment.

During the trial time, there were 308 asthma attacks. Compared to those who received placebo, children who were given prednisolone by their parent had:

15% lower daytime asthma symptom scores

16% reduction in night time asthma symptom scores

Reduced use of health resources

Fewer missed school days

How Does This Affect You?

Randomized trials are considered one of the most reliable types of studies. This study supports the idea that well informed parents may be able to make the decision about when to give their children an oral corticosteroid. However, there are still some questions before this becomes standard practice. High amounts of corticosteroids like prednisolone do have side effects in children, including decreased bone strength and growth. This study did not focus on any of these adverse health effects. For that reason, some may be hesitant to allow non-medical professionals to determine when a corticosteroid should be used. On the other hand, these corticosteroids are most effective when delivered early in an asthma attack. The ability to deliver the medicine at home can help prevent a delay in treatment. As with any chronic disease, it is also financially and practically more reasonable to decrease the need for medical reliance.

The first step for good asthma management is to prevent asthma attacks. Work with your doctor to develop an asthma management plan and continue to discuss what is working and what may need to be changed. Keep your child active in this plan. Learn about triggers like allergens (pet dander, chemicals, pollen, dust), get appropriate vaccinations, and follow an asthma care plan that includes long-term and fast-acting asthma medicine. Not all asthma attacks can be prevented, so make sure you have a plan for an attack. Keep rescue medicine nearby, and seek medical help if symptoms are not relieved by rescue medicines.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.